r - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

ormal elegance permeated Art Deco,
down to the smallest item. The spontaneous
convolutions of Art Nouveau were
abandoned in favor of tightly organized
patterns, such as the flower, volute, and
raindrop configurations on these vases,
confined within simple, often spherical or
ovoid shapes. Geometry ruled throughout,
but arcs and ovals yielded over a decade
to angles. The influence of recent trends
in painting was reflected in the gradual
replacement of stylized flowers with cubist
motifs. Small, unique objects, like these
vases, executed in a wide variety of techniques,
played an important role in the
larger context of interior design. They
were often used, with theatrical flair, as
the focal points for entire ensembles
by artistes decorateurs, the master
designers and interior decorators who
dominated Art Deco.
(Left to right) Vase: About 1923. By Jean
Dunand (1877-1942). Brass plated with
silver, h. 10/4 in. Vase: 1925-30. By Rene
Buthaud (b. 1886). Glazed stoneware, h.
131/2 in. Vase: 1925. By Emile Lenoble
(1875-1939). Glazed stoneware, h. 121/2
in. Jar: About 1929. By Henry Simmen
(18 79-1963); cover by Mme O'Kin
Simmen. Glazed stoneware, wood, and
ivory h. 6 in. Purchase, Edward C. Moore,
Jr. Gift, 23.206,69.289.1, 25.210,29.127.2ab
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